Thursday, February 28, 2013

Fun, Free and Frugal Family Fun -- Guest Post

Fun, free and frugal family fun


If you’re under the impression that you don’t get anything for free any more, then you couldn’t be
further from the truth!

After having my three children, I was delighted to find that there are in fact plenty of fun, free and
exciting days out, activities and adventures for families. This is great news in today’s financially
challenging world, where every single dollar really does count, and that trip to the cinema may mean
sacrificing your chocolate allowance for the week. As every busy mom knows, chocolate equals
sanity…it’s really not worth it.

So here are three of my top tips for enjoying life for free, and having a lot of fun with your family
along the way:

Free Days out

Believe it or not, there are hundreds of fun, free days out to be taken advantage of that even the
most challenging of children will enjoy. Some of my favourites include:

Get educated and go to a museum or art gallery
Blow away the cobwebs at the seaside
Find a river and feed the ducks
Meet up with friends and take a picnic to the park
Start a scrapbook in which to preserve your treasured memories
Camp with your kids in the garden. It’s like a holiday only cheaper, and you get to use your own
bathroom.

Organize your own egg hunt

This Easter create your own fun by organizing your very own egg hunt. Just remember that before
you begin stocking up on eggs and baskets, make sure you know how many little hunters will be
joining you on your egg hunt. You don’t want anyone getting left out!

You can buy chocolate eggs from most shops across the county and some simple paper chain
decorations will give your event a colorful theme. If the weather is favorable, then plan your egg
hunt outside and give the children plenty of room to run about. If not, you can still have fun indoors,
just remember to hide the eggs in easy to reach, safe places.

Book Swap

If you and your children bookshelves are full of books you’ve already read (or given up on) you might
want to consider swapping them for someone else’s collection.

There are several websites that allow you to do just this, such as paperback swap, where you can list
your books, send them off, and then search for lovely new books to spend your credit on in return.
Or simply find some fellow book-loving families and arrange a book swap between you.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that reading with children has many positive effects and is
one of the most effective ways of building the ‘language’ neural connections in their growing brains.
Instilling a lifelong love of learning through reading is something the Bruderhof communities feel
strongly about.

Take a dog for a walk

Owning a dog takes time, money, space and a great deal of responsibility. But, the rewards are
priceless - dog owners are reportedly happier and healthier than us canine deficient individuals.

If you like the idea of dog walking but without the stress, why not advertise your dog walking
services in local stores or papers. You will be able to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air with a furry
friend in no time at all!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

A Letter to my Spammers

Every day, I have to delete, or "mark as spam" probably more than a dozen comments on various posts on this site. Why do you do this? I really don't understand it. It seems the more that I delete them, the more they show up.

I just want to let readers know, that if you ever see any of these comments, please don't click the links. I cannot guarantee what they are, and I cannot promise that they are legitimate sites of any kind. I won't even click them to check because I honestly don't know.

Instead of spamming the site with comments, why not check out my media kit, and then use the contact tab at the bottom of the screen. I don't mind sharing information with the people who read this site, but I refuse to have you use my comments, and add links that I won't even verify. I assure you, your comments will NOT stay on the site, therefore, it's not going to help you in any way, and you are virtually wasting your time.

But as I said, if you have legitimate information that you would like to have shared I will share it for you, but this has to go through me first. Please stop wasting your time, please stop leaving random links in my comments. Please just stop. It's not going to benefit you in any way, and it is only wasting both of our time.

Why I'm taking a break from the scale....

As you all know, I have restarted my work on losing weight. I WAS doing an excellent job. In the month of January, I lost 11 pounds, and while I know, I am not close to competing on the Biggest Loser yet, I am still proud of that success that I had.

So far, in February, I have gone through the same thing that I go through every time I do this. I get stuck at a particular weight, and no matter what I do, it doesn't go below there (and stay for any length of time.). I have been using the number on the scale, as a motivator for me, and when that doesn't give me the "progress report" that I'm hoping for, I literally just give up and throw in the towel. That has been an issue for me this month. After trying for weeks with no result, I just gave up. The other day, I ate an entire box of macaroni and cheese and didn't think anything of it (goodness, doing it was bad enough, but typing that just now has mortified me.)

This morning, I kind of had the revelation that the scale may have actually created a bit of a mental block for me. Even when I had good weeks, and lost a great amount of weight, I still wasn't thrilled with my progress. I am going to restart my weight loss journey, only, I'm going to ignore the actual weight. I am not going to weigh myself, and instead, I am going to focus on exercise, I am going to focus on eating less, and the right foods. I am going on strike, however, from the scale. I am not going to weigh myself again for a month. (I haven't weighed myself in over a week, but right now, I really don't think I even want to know what the scale says.) That number is just that, a number, and that going down isn't going to make me feel better about myself. That's not what is going to make me healthier, or a better example for my daughter (with the frequency that I was weighing myself, I actually believe that it will do the exact opposite.). Not only that, but a decreasing number on that machine of sadness isn't going to make me look any better either.

So, it's not going to make me look better, it won't make me feel better, and depending on what it says, it isn't going to make me feel any better about myself.. So why am I so concerned with it? Why do I stare so intently at that digital number like it's going to either fix my problems or make them worse? That number means NOTHING. My real concerns should be how I feel when I look in the mirror (notice, though, that I said how I feel, and not what others think of me. I'm going to try really hard to try to forget that too), it's not going to give me more energy, or make me feel better physically. It's not going to teach my daughter that her mom wants to live a healthier lifestyle. None of those things will ever be accomplished by focusing on a number on a scale, and that is why, for at least a month, I am not going to focus on it.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Give Your Child College Savings with a GradSave Gift Card!

I have written before, about Gradsave, their "no gift" parties, and how you can use them to help save for your children's education. I am taking the opportunity to let you in on the fact that you (or others) can now buy your children GIFT CARDS as well.

In case you missed my initial posts about Grad Save, it's an organization that allows payments to be made as gifts toward a child's college savings fund. It is definitely never too early to start when it comes to saving for education. In fact, a lot of people might consider GradSave Gift cards to make GREAT Baby shower gifts! They can also make great birthday gifts, rewards for good grades and more!

Grandparents, aunts, uncles or others can actually set up monthly auto payments to be contributed, through GradSave directly into your college savings as well. Once you set up your child's profile, you can share it with friends and family via social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc).

When making decisions for Birthday gifts, rewards, and other occasions, consider GradSave gift cards as a way to invest in the future of the child you're giving a gift to. What a wonderful way to say "I believe in you, and your future, and I want to help you fulfill all of your future potential."

I think that I am going to begin giving these gifts to my own child, as well as to my nieces, nephews  and other family members.  I mean, yeah, we can buy them toys, and other fun things for them to play with, OR we can give them gifts that can literally fund their future.

Disclaimer: I received compensation for this post. I was not required to write a positive posting. My opinions as always are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Daddy Scrubs Giveaway!

Perfect gift set for expectant fathers! I was so pleased to see all the great books that come in this gift bag from DaddyScrubs! We sat down as a family and I watched my husband read the stories to our little SophaJones and it was so sweet. My heart seriously melted!





Daddy Scrubs has made the perfect gift for the new father to be in your life. This generous gift set includes:
"I’m the Daddy" Trunk Bag made from 100% natural cotton canvas
"I'm the Daddy" sunglasses
and 7 high quality books!
I Love You, Daddy! by Edie Evans
What Daddy Bear Loves by Paige Nickell
What Daddy Duck Loves by Paige Nickell
The Daddy Book by Todd Parr
Just Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer
The New Dad's Survival Guide by Scott Mactavish
Clifford's Day with Dad by Norman Bridwell


This special gift set is only $49.95 (includes a savings of over $15.00!)

Also, check out this great Youtube video from Daddy Scrubs!


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclosure: The Mom Show is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners will be contacted via the email provided on the RaffleCopter and will have 48 hours to confirm their win before a new winner is chosen. U.S. entrants only.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Attend the Good Cook Foodies' Night In Twitter Party!

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When it comes to cooking, I LOVE learning about new products! This is why I am excited to bring to your attention a Foodies' Night In Twitter Party, sponsored by Good Cook! I will be there (Follow me @TheMomShow1) and am hoping that you will be also! (Make sure you also follow @goodcookcom!) They are going to be talking about three of their newest products. A Popcorn baller, a flour sifter that measures your flour also, and a stuffed burger press!

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You can also have the chance to win a gift pack, or one of three $100 gift prizes! The party is on March 4th at 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM EST at hashtag #FNIChat. Also, be one of the first 500 to follow @goodcookcom and win a high temperature spatula!!


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Please say you'll attend with me! I think it'll be a lot of fun learning about these new products! Bring recipe and food ideas and learn some of theirs with me!

Disclaimer: I received one or more products above for review purposes only. I was not required to write a positive review. My opinions as always are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. The Mom Show's giveaways are not affiliated with Facebook or any other social media networks. The sponsoring company is responsible for all shipping unless otherwise stated. The Mom Show is not responsible for sponsors not upholding their promises and cannot reimburse you for items or the value of products. Should this occur, please contact The Mom Show and I will do my best to help you achieve promised winnings.

CVS Matchups 2/10-2/16


Free and Under $1.00

Spend $30.00 on select P&G Products and and get $10.00 CVS Card ~ Limit 1

Nivea Lip Care ~ 2/$5.00
Use coupon ~
$3/2 Nivea Lip Care ~ Red Plum 2/10
Final Price ~ $1.00 each!

Rite Aid Matchup 2/10-2/16


Free and Under $1.00

Ricola, Chapstick, Luden’s, Sucrets, Carmex, LypSyl or Ocean Nasal Spray ~ 2/$3.00 ~ $1.00 Up/2 ~ Limit 4
Use coupons ~
$1/2 Ricola bags ~ Smart Source 1/6
$1/2 Chapstick ~ Red Plum 1/27
$1/1 Sucrets ~ Smart Source 11/18
$.75/1 Carmex, Mosturizer Plus ~ Smart Source 12/2
$.55/1 Carmex Lip, conditioner or any ~ Smart Source 12/2
$50/1 LipSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer ~ Smart Source 1/27
Final Price ~ as low as $.25 each! 

Walgreen's Matchups! 2/10-2/16

Free and Under $1.00

Sunny Smile Paper Products ~ Single Roll Toilet Paper or Paper Towels ~ 10/$5.00 ~ Limit 10
Use coupon ~
In Ad Coupon making them 10/$5.00
Final Price ~ $.50 each!

CampusBookRentals introduces RentBack!

Here is something that is for the college students, whether it's a mom who's gone back to school, or a mother of a college student, or just someone working on their education who has stumbled upon my site (welcome, whomever you happen to be!)

I have written about them before, but there is always new and exciting things from them to share with you, so I would like to take a moment, once again, to share with you, campusbookrentals.com. I love this site. I love the idea behind it, and I wish that I had known about this years ago, when I myself was a student who was very much struggling financially.

As I have shared with you before, they are a site that allows you to rent text books for your education. They are easy and affordable to work with, and can really take a huge chunk out of your book costs (up to 40-90%!) with their flexible and affordable prices, not to mention free shipping!

I have also shared before, (but it's worth mentioning again) that they also donate a portion of each rental to Operation Smile, which is a charity, helping families of children with cleft lips/cleft palate.

However, the thing that I really wanted to share with you today, is a new service that they offer. They now have a website called Rentback YOU can now go through them to rent your text books from previous semesters that you are no longer using. Now, I know, that most book stores offer a buy back program, where you can just rent them your old books, but with this site, you can receive up to 2-4 times the amount you would normally get back from your typical book store because you're renting out your books directly to other students! So you're helping out another student and making some money for yourself! This is a win-win all around. In fact, I still have all of my text books from when I was in school. I am going to head on over to this site and try their service a little later on (they were from 10 years ago, so I am HOPING that there will still be a need from someone, somewhere!)

Disclaimer: I received monetary compensation from campusbookrentals.com for this post.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Valentine's Day Giveaway!

The Mom Show has teamed up with a few companies, and a few wonderful bloggers to bring you this awesome giveaway just in time for Valentine's Day! We are so excited to share the love with you all! Three lucky winners will win one of three awesome prizes!

The first prize, will be a custom 8x10 Photograph from Nature's Notebook! I got one of these, and can't wait to surprise my husband with it for Valentine's Day! You can read my post about it here. Here's the one I will be receiving in the mail!

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The next prize, will be a subscription of inspiring quotes, sayings and messages from Your Two Sense Worth! First, read my post about it here, and then check out this beautiful video to learn more about it!



The last prize, sponsored by Toilet Tree Products, will be one of these! I wrote a review about them that you can find here!

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Hurry up and enter this one, because it's only going to last until Tuesday night! (2/12) Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received one or more products above for review purposes only. I was not required to write a positive review. My opinions as always are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. The Mom Show's giveaways are not affiliated with Facebook or any other social media networks. The sponsoring company is responsible for all shipping unless otherwise stated. The Mom Show is not responsible for sponsors not upholding their promises and cannot reimburse you for items or the value of products. Should this occur, please contact The Mom Show and I will do my best to help you achieve promised winnings.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Hubby's Foolproof Sweet Tea!

My husband has recently gained a love for Sweet Tea. We have been buying it in the store, but at over $2 a bottle, his habit was a bit expensive, so he began trying to make it at home, and now he prefers to do it that way. His recipe and technique aren't exactly typical, mainly because he actually uses our coffee maker to do it..

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Fill the coffee pot to the 12 cup mark and put it into the coffee maker, and then place 12 tea bags within the pot. Put the pot back into the maker with the tea bags inside, and turn it on (don't put the filter or anything inside, obviously.) and let it brew.



Then let it steep to your preferred strength and remove the tea bags (they're going to be hot, obviously, so be careful) and discard them. Let it sit for about 10 minutes (away from the coffee maker) and then add 3/4 cup of sugar and stir.

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Then let it cool, and serve over ice, and/or refrigerate the rest in whatever bottle you're going to keep it in, until you're ready to drink.

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My husband loves this. You can add or subtract from the amount of sugar that you use until it's perfect for you, as well. Let me know if you try it and what you think!


Losing Weight with Creative BioScience!

Well, I am hoping to, anyway. You see, they have decided to work with me after finding out that I was on a personal journey to lose weight (11 pounds down so far!), and that I was intending on sharing it with you.

Creative Bioscience has agreed to send me 90 days worth of one of their weight loss supplements to try, and I'm going to share the experience with you.

You all know that I want to lose weight, and that I've been trying.  I have their personal recommendation, and have done my own research, and have therefore decided to use their African Mango 1200 Supplement.  Obviously this is derived from the African Mango, which has been proven to target body fat with no side effects, so I am definitely looking forward to trying it!  Now, I have been working to change my eating habits, and to work out more, however, with this supplement, it is not required.  I am really hoping that this means that I will just lose more!

I know I have mentioned it before, but I really do have an overwhelming amount of weight to lose. I have written about why I'd like to do it, and I'm also going to be sharing with you how I'm doing it.  If any of you ever have any questions, please feel free to use the contact tab on the bottom right hand of the page.

As with anything else, please do your own research before choosing any sort of weight loss plan.  I will be sharing my experience with you.  How I'm losing, anything I'm feeling as a result of the pills and more.

I also would like to take a moment, to let my fellow bloggers know that if you are interested in working with them as well, they still have a bloggers program, and are accepting other bloggers.  Go here to apply!

Pamper Her for Valentine's Day with Toilet Tree!

This is a review that you want to show your husband.. and you want to show him soon, so that he can get you one of these for Valentine's Day!! I am so glad to have one!

I had the opportunity to review a Professional Skin Care System from Toilet Tree. I LOVE it.





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Image Credit: Toilet Tree Products website.

This brush comes with two smaller face exfoliating brushes (medium, and soft for more sensitive skin), a larger body exfoliating brush and a pumice stone. This is something that I've been able to use for myself, and also on my daughter, and we both love it. I absolutely LOVE giving myself pedicures at home (it's so much cheaper!!) and I love using the pumice stone to do it.

Men, this would make a wonderful gift for your wives! You can buy one on Amazon for only $34.95!!!

Ladies, if you receive one of these, you can also get two replacement pumice stones for only $9.95!

I would highly suggest this product, either as a gift for Valentine's Day, or a special gift just for yourself!



Disclaimer: I received one or more products above for review purposes only. I was not required to write a positive review. My opinions as always are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. The Mom Show's giveaways are not affiliated with Facebook or any other social media networks. The sponsoring company is responsible for all shipping unless otherwise stated. The Mom Show is not responsible for sponsors not upholding their promises and cannot reimburse you for items or the value of products. Should this occur, please contact The Mom Show and I will do my best to help you achieve promised winnings.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Listerine 21 Day Challenge!

I am really excited! I joined Listerine's 21 Day Challenge. I am really looking forward to this, and would actually like to encourage you all to join also.

Basically, my family and I are going to use Listerine Mouthwash (they have mouthwash available in different flavors, as well as for children!) twice a day for three weeks (and continuously) to improve our oral health, and to really bring a focus on our dental hygiene.

Did you know that it takes approximately three weeks to form a habit?  How about the fact, that brushing alone, cleans MOST of your teeth, but that still leaves over 75% of your mouth uncleaned, which also leaves room for bacteria and other germs to continue to enter your body.  Oral disease has surprisingly become one of the most chronic childhood illnesses in the US.

This is why, not only I, but my daughter as well, are both going to be taking Listerine's 21 Day Challenge.

Right now, our oral habits are fairly regular, however, now, we are going to be adding Listerine to our two daily brushings.  I will be keeping you posted along the way as well!

You should also know that for everyone who signs up to take the challenge, $6.40 will be donated (up to $64,000) toward improving America's Oral Health!

To find out more about the challenge, and to sign up, head on over to Listerine's Facebook page.  I hope lots of you will join me on the challenge!


Disclaimer: I received one or more products above for review purposes only. I was not required to write a positive review. My opinions as always are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. The Mom Show's giveaways are not affiliated with Facebook or any other social media networks. The sponsoring company is responsible for all shipping unless otherwise stated. The Mom Show is not responsible for sponsors not upholding their promises and cannot reimburse you for items or the value of products. Should this occur, please contact The Mom Show and I will do my best to help you achieve promised winnings.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Benefits of Introducing Classical Music to your Infant's Sleep Routine--Guest Post

Benefits of introducing classical music to your infant's sleep routine


Most new parents learn within the first few weeks that a bedtime routine is beneficial to their
baby and to them. A predictable routine signals to the baby that it’s time to settle down and
sleep. It can also have a calming effect on parents while simultaneously providing an opportunity
for some valuable quality time.

An increasing number of new parents are introducing classical music as part of their infant’s
bedtime routine. Playing some classical music, Mozart for example, at bedtime is a wonderful
way to help your child relax and ease their way from the busyness of the daytime to the
sleepiness of the night. You can play it in the background during bath time and while putting on
jammies. Let the music continue as you read or talk to your infant. Some parents even choose to
let the music play at a soft volume as they leave their child for the night. Incorporating classical
music into your infant’s sleep routine has several benefits that will serve her during many of the
early developmental stages.

Maintaining Neurons

While scientists once suggested that listening to classical music could actually raise a baby’s
level of intelligence, more recent studies have effectively debunked these findings. Nonetheless,
regularly listening to classical music does help develop neural pathways in a baby’s brain. At
birth, the brain possesses millions of neurons that can be lost if they are not used. Studies have
indicated that listening to music can stimulate these neurons, leading to a baby’s ability to learn
more readily or providing them with an enhanced ability to develop a talent.

Creating a Peaceful Mood

Adults know how the right piece of music can affect the way they feel. Play a sad song, and
you’ll probably feel depressed. In much the same way, it’s difficult to remain depressed when a
rousing song is filling the air. Babies are also susceptible to these musical moods, and playing
some soft, soothing classical music is a great way to help your baby relax. His breathing will
become deeper and easier. His heart rate will slow. His tension will be reduced. In short, a slow
piece of classical music can help him prepare physiologically for sleep.

Positive Endorphins

Another physical benefit of classical music at bedtime is the release of endorphins. These
chemicals are released by the brain and work as a natural relaxant on the body. A healthy flow of
endorphins is capable of creating a more positive mood and reducing pain, a simple prescription
for a good night’s sleep.

Positive Effect on Language Development

Even classical music played at a very soft volume can help your baby to develop better language
skills. Many scientists have noted a correlation between music ability and language development.
Regularly listening to the complex sounds inherent to most classical music pieces sharpens the
baby’s listening ability, enabling them to distinguish subtle sound differences. For instance,

babies who regularly listen to classical music may more easily pick up the difference between
spoken “D” and “B” sounds.

Building Memory

A bedtime routine is soothing because of its predictability and familiarity. If you attempt to
follow the same routine regardless of where you and your baby travel, it will make it much easier
for your baby to relax in unfamiliar surroundings. Classical music can be a vitally important part
of this process, as many parents have found that the auditory stimulation of a classical piece will
have the same calming effect wherever it is played. Your baby will hear the familiar strains of
a particular bit of music and will remember that this is a signal that it’s time to relax and go to
sleep.

Reducing the Trauma of Birth

Whether the birth experience is ideal or not, it can be a traumatic occasion for your baby. Over
many months, she has become accustomed to the constant accompaniment of your heartbeat.
Now she must learn to sleep without that comforting sound. Classical music can easily fit the
bill. Some babies born prematurely have also shown a positive response to soft classical music,
making it an especially important part of the bedtime equation for preemies.

Author Bio
Katelyn is a social media blogger for free music download sites, helping users download
free music. Get a free music download from BearShare today!